Provide a converging mirror-based furnace for heating a target by way of reflecting from a reflecting mirror unit the light emitted from a light source and then irradiating a target with the reflected light, wherein said target-heating converging-light furnace is such that: the reflecting mirror unit comprises a primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror; the light emitted from the light source is reflected sequentially by the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror and then irradiated onto the target; and the light reflected by the secondary reflecting mirror and irradiated onto the target surface is not perpendicular to the target surface. Based on the above, a system that uses converged infrared light to provide heating can be made smaller while keeping its heating performance intact, even when the system uses a revolving ellipsoid.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A converging mirror-based furnace for heating a target by causing light emitted from a light source to be reflected by a reflecting mirror unit to irradiate the target, wherein at least one reflecting mirror unit with a light source installed inside is provided; the reflecting mirror unit is formed by combining two spheroidal mirrors each having a reflecting surface constituted by the interior surface of a spheroid having a full-circle cross section, where one of the spheroidal mirrors is referred to as a primary reflecting mirror and the other, a secondary reflecting mirror; a light source is installed in the primary reflecting mirror wherein the light source is positioned at one focal point of the primary reflecting mirror, while an opening provided in the primary reflecting mirror is inter-connected with an opening provided in the secondary reflecting mirror wherein another focal point of the primary reflecting mirror is positioned at one focal point of the secondary reflecting mirror, and the reflecting mirror unit is provided wherein another focal point of the secondary reflecting mirror is positioned on the normal line which passes through a center point of the surface-to-be-heated of the target placed in the furnace, with the opening provided at a side of the other focal point in the secondary reflecting mirror so that the light passes through the opening toward the surface-to-be-heated to irradiate the surface-to-be-heated, said light source being entirely surrounded by the primary reflecting mirror except for the opening of the primary reflecting mirror as viewed from the opening; and the long axis of an ellipsoid body constituting the secondary reflecting mirror is positioned diagonally to the normal line of the surface-to-be-heated, wherein the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the ellipse configuring the primary reflecting mirror is equal to or less than the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the ellipse configuring the secondary reflecting mirror.
The converging mirror furnace heats a target by reflecting light from a light source using a reflecting mirror unit. The unit consists of a primary and secondary spheroidal mirror. The light source is at one focal point of the primary mirror. An opening in the primary mirror connects to an opening in the secondary mirror, positioning the primary mirror's other focal point at one focal point of the secondary mirror. The secondary mirror's other focal point is on the normal line through the target's center. Light passes through the secondary mirror's opening to heat the target. The light source is surrounded by the primary mirror, and the secondary mirror's ellipse long axis is diagonal to the target's normal line. The ratio of the major to minor axis of the primary ellipse is less than or equal to the secondary ellipse's ratio.
2. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 1 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the light source is positioned along a straight line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a primary and secondary mirror setup, connects the primary and secondary reflecting mirrors such that the light source is positioned along a straight line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror. This specific geometric arrangement further refines the focus and direction of the reflected light onto the target within the furnace.
3. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 1 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the two focal points on the ellipse of the primary reflecting mirror and two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror are not present on the same straight line.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a primary and secondary mirror setup, connects the primary and secondary reflecting mirrors such that the two focal points on the ellipse of the primary reflecting mirror and the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror are NOT present on the same straight line. This specific geometric arrangement affects the light path and focus characteristics.
4. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 1 , wherein the angle formed by the surface of the target and the line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror is 20 to 70°.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a primary and secondary mirror setup, is configured such that the angle formed by the target surface and the line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror is between 20 and 70 degrees. This angled arrangement of the secondary mirror influences the incidence and distribution of light on the target surface, optimizing heating efficiency.
5. A converging mirror-based furnace for heating a target by causing light emitted from a light source to be reflected by a reflecting mirror unit to irradiate the target, wherein at least one reflecting mirror unit with a light source installed inside is provided; the reflecting mirror unit is formed by combining a primary reflecting mirror being spheroidal mirror whose reflecting surface is constituted by the interior surface of a spheroid having a full-circle cross section, with a secondary reflecting mirror being an entirely revolving paraboloidal mirror whose reflecting surface is constituted by the interior surface of a revolving paraboloidal mirror; the light source is installed in the primary reflecting mirror wherein the light source is positioned at one of two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror, while an opening provided in the primary reflecting mirror is inter-connected with an opening provided in the secondary reflecting mirror wherein the other focal point of the primary reflecting mirror is positioned at a focal point of the secondary reflecting mirror, and a converging mirror unit is provided wherein a rotational axis of the revolving paraboloidal mirror constituting the secondary reflecting mirror and a center point of a surface-to-be-heated of the target placed in the furnace are positioned along one straight line, with the opening in the secondary reflecting mirror facing the target so that the light is irradiated onto the surface-to-be-heated, said light source being entirely surrounded by the primary reflecting mirror except for the opening of the primary reflecting mirror as viewed from the opening; and the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror is not perpendicular to the surface of the target.
The converging mirror furnace heats a target with light from a source reflected by a mirror unit. The unit has a primary spheroidal mirror and a secondary revolving paraboloidal mirror. The light source is at one focal point of the primary mirror. An opening in the primary mirror connects to the secondary mirror's opening, positioning the primary mirror's other focal point at the secondary mirror's focal point. The secondary mirror's rotational axis and the target's center point lie on one straight line. The secondary mirror's opening faces the target for irradiation, the light source is enclosed within the primary mirror, and the secondary mirror's rotational axis is not perpendicular to the target surface.
6. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 5 , where the shortest distance between a focal point of the primary reflecting mirror and an elliptic surface thereof is greater than the shortest distance between a focal point of the secondary reflecting mirror and a parabolic surface thereof.
The converging mirror furnace, described with primary spheroidal and secondary paraboloidal mirrors, features a primary mirror where the shortest distance between its focal point and elliptic surface is *greater* than the shortest distance between the secondary mirror's focal point and its parabolic surface. This difference in distances contributes to the light focusing and intensity on the target within the furnace.
7. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 5 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror are positioned along a line extended from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror being a revolving paraboloidal mirror.
A converging mirror-based furnace system includes a primary reflecting mirror and a secondary reflecting mirror, both designed to focus thermal energy onto a target area. The primary reflecting mirror has two focal points positioned along a line that extends from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror. The secondary reflecting mirror is a revolving paraboloidal mirror, meaning it rotates to distribute heat evenly. The primary mirror reflects thermal energy toward the secondary mirror, which then redirects and concentrates the energy onto a target, such as a workpiece. The alignment of the focal points ensures efficient energy transfer and uniform heating. This design improves thermal efficiency and reduces energy loss by precisely directing reflected heat. The system is particularly useful in industrial applications requiring high-temperature processing, such as metalworking or material synthesis, where precise and uniform heating is critical. The revolving secondary mirror enhances heat distribution, preventing localized overheating and improving material processing consistency. The overall structure minimizes energy waste and optimizes thermal performance.
8. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 5 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror are not positioned along a line extended from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror being a revolving paraboloidal mirror.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with primary spheroidal and secondary paraboloidal mirrors, connects the primary and secondary reflecting mirrors such that the two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror are NOT positioned along a line extended from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror, which is a revolving paraboloidal mirror. This deliberate misalignment affects the light path and heating profile.
9. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 5 , wherein the angle formed by the line normal to the surface-to-be-heated and the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror is 20 to 70°.
The converging mirror furnace, described with primary spheroidal and secondary paraboloidal mirrors, is configured such that the angle between the line normal to the target's surface and the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror is between 20 and 70 degrees. This specific angle affects how the reflected light from the paraboloidal mirror interacts with the target.
10. A converging mirror-based furnace for heating a target by causing light emitted from a light source to be reflected by a reflecting mirror unit to irradiate the target, wherein the reflecting mirror unit has a primary reflecting mirror whose reflecting surface is a part of the interior surface of a ring drawn by rotating around the normal line a closed curved line which is present on the same plane as the normal line passing through the center of the surface-to-be-heated and not intersecting with the normal line; a light source is installed in the ring that forms the primary reflecting mirror having a ring-shaped, in a manner being arranged over the ring either partially or entirely along the circumferential direction; the target is set on a plane perpendicular to the normal line but not intersecting with the ring, with a slit provided in the reflecting surface near the point of intersection between the shortest straight line connecting the center of the surface-to-be-heated and light source on one hand and the reflecting surface on the other, in order to irradiate the light onto the target; and the end of the primary reflecting surface where the slit is formed is connected to the reflecting surface that forms the secondary reflecting surface.
This converging mirror furnace uses a ring-shaped primary reflecting mirror formed by rotating a closed curved line around a normal line. A light source is arranged around the ring's circumference. The target is on a plane perpendicular to the normal line. A slit in the primary mirror directs light to the target. The primary mirror connects to a secondary reflecting surface. The normal line runs through the center of the surface to be heated and does not intersect with the ring.
11. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 10 , wherein the angle formed by the normal line and the line connecting the light source and the center of the target surface is 20 to 70°.
The converging mirror furnace, which uses a ring-shaped primary reflector and a secondary reflector to direct light onto a target, is configured such that the angle formed by the normal line to the target surface and the line connecting the light source and the center of the target surface is between 20 and 70 degrees. This angled arrangement influences the efficiency and uniformity of the heating process.
12. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 10 , wherein a ring-shaped light source is installed in a circular pattern in the ring that forms the ring-shaped primary reflecting mirror, and a reflecting surface of the reflecting plate that converges the light from the ring-shaped light source onto the surface-to-be-heated is installed perpendicularly to the circle formed by the ring-shaped light source.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a ring-shaped light source and primary reflector, uses a ring-shaped light source installed in a circular pattern in the ring that forms the ring-shaped primary reflecting mirror, and a reflecting surface of the reflecting plate that converges the light from the ring-shaped light source onto the surface-to-be-heated is installed perpendicularly to the circle formed by the ring-shaped light source.
13. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 10 , wherein, during heating, the relative position of the reflecting mirror and the target is made variable.
The converging mirror furnace, using a ring-shaped primary reflector and a secondary reflector to direct light onto a target, allows for adjustment of the relative position of the reflecting mirror and the target during heating. This variability allows for fine-tuning the heating process and optimizing for different target geometries or material properties.
14. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 10 , wherein, during heating, the condition of the target at least in terms of the temperature of the target or thickness of the formed film can be monitored at least from one direction such as directly above, diagonally above, or a side of the target.
The converging mirror furnace, with its ring-shaped primary reflector and secondary reflector for target illumination, enables monitoring of the target's condition during heating. Specifically, the temperature or film thickness can be observed from above, diagonally above, or from the side. This monitoring capability allows for real-time process control and quality assurance.
15. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 10 , wherein, during heating, the target is made rotatable.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a ring-shaped primary reflector and secondary reflector, enables the target to be rotated during heating. This rotation helps to ensure uniform heating of the target surface, particularly for targets with complex shapes or non-uniform material properties.
16. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 1 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the light source is positioned along a straight line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a primary and secondary mirror setup, connects the primary and secondary reflecting mirrors such that the light source is positioned along a straight line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror. This specific geometric arrangement further refines the focus and direction of the reflected light onto the target within the furnace. (Duplicate of claim 2)
17. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 1 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the two focal points on the ellipse of the primary reflecting mirror and two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror are not present on the same straight line.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a primary and secondary mirror setup, connects the primary and secondary reflecting mirrors such that the two focal points on the ellipse of the primary reflecting mirror and the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror are NOT present on the same straight line. This specific geometric arrangement affects the light path and focus characteristics. (Duplicate of claim 3)
18. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 1 , wherein the angle formed by the surface of the target and the line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror is 20 to 70°.
The converging mirror furnace, as described with a primary and secondary mirror setup, is configured such that the angle formed by the target surface and the line connecting the two focal points on the ellipse of the secondary reflecting mirror is between 20 and 70 degrees. This angled arrangement of the secondary mirror influences the incidence and distribution of light on the target surface, optimizing heating efficiency. (Duplicate of claim 4)
19. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 6 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror are positioned along a line extended from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror being a revolving paraboloidal mirror.
The converging mirror furnace, which uses a primary mirror where the shortest distance between its focal point and elliptic surface is *greater* than the shortest distance between the secondary mirror's focal point and its parabolic surface, connects the primary and secondary reflecting mirrors such that the two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror are positioned along a line extended from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror, which is a revolving paraboloidal mirror. This alignment affects the light path within the furnace.
20. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 6 , wherein the primary reflecting mirror and secondary reflecting mirror are connected wherein the two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror are not positioned along a line extended from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror being a revolving paraboloidal mirror.
The converging mirror furnace, which uses a primary mirror where the shortest distance between its focal point and elliptic surface is *greater* than the shortest distance between the secondary mirror's focal point and its parabolic surface, connects the primary and secondary reflecting mirrors such that the two focal points on the primary reflecting mirror are NOT positioned along a line extended from the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror, which is a revolving paraboloidal mirror. This deliberate misalignment affects the light path and heating profile.
21. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 6 , wherein the angle formed by the line normal to the surface-to-be-heated and the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror is 20 to 70°.
The converging mirror furnace, which uses a primary mirror where the shortest distance between its focal point and elliptic surface is *greater* than the shortest distance between the secondary mirror's focal point and its parabolic surface, is configured such that the angle between the line normal to the target's surface and the rotational axis of the secondary reflecting mirror is between 20 and 70 degrees. This specific angle affects how the reflected light from the paraboloidal mirror interacts with the target.
22. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 11 , wherein a ring-shaped light source is installed in a circular pattern in the ring that forms the ring-shaped primary reflecting mirror, and a reflecting surface of the reflecting plate that converges the light from the ring-shaped light source onto the surface-to-be-heated is installed perpendicularly to the circle formed by the ring-shaped light source.
The converging mirror furnace, which features the angle formed by the normal line to the target surface and the line connecting the light source and the center of the target surface is between 20 and 70 degrees, uses a ring-shaped light source installed in a circular pattern in the ring that forms the ring-shaped primary reflecting mirror, and a reflecting surface of the reflecting plate that converges the light from the ring-shaped light source onto the surface-to-be-heated is installed perpendicularly to the circle formed by the ring-shaped light source.
23. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 11 , wherein, during heating, the relative position of the reflecting mirror and the target is made variable.
The converging mirror furnace, which features the angle formed by the normal line to the target surface and the line connecting the light source and the center of the target surface is between 20 and 70 degrees, allows for adjustment of the relative position of the reflecting mirror and the target during heating. This variability allows for fine-tuning the heating process and optimizing for different target geometries or material properties.
24. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 11 , wherein, during heating, the condition of the target at least in terms of the temperature of the target or thickness of the formed film can be monitored at least from one direction such as directly above, diagonally above, or a side of the target.
The converging mirror furnace, which features the angle formed by the normal line to the target surface and the line connecting the light source and the center of the target surface is between 20 and 70 degrees, enables monitoring of the target's condition during heating. Specifically, the temperature or film thickness can be observed from above, diagonally above, or from the side. This monitoring capability allows for real-time process control and quality assurance.
25. A converging mirror-based furnace according to claim 11 , wherein, during heating, the target is made rotatable.
The converging mirror furnace, which features the angle formed by the normal line to the target surface and the line connecting the light source and the center of the target surface is between 20 and 70 degrees, enables the target to be rotated during heating. This rotation helps to ensure uniform heating of the target surface, particularly for targets with complex shapes or non-uniform material properties.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
November 30, 2012
October 3, 2017
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